Lipid Screening in Childhood and Adolescence forDetection of Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Background: The literature surrounding lipid screening in childhood and adolescence for the detection of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) highlights critical insights into the importance of early identification and intervention strategies. Literature Review: (Brett et al., 2018) further elaborate on the vital role of primary care in detecting FH, particularly during childhood and adolescence when interventions can be most effective. They cite successful screening outcomes in countries with established programs and suggest that electronic health records could improve detection rates in general practice. This aligns with the systematic approaches proposed by (Qureshi et al., 2018), who recommend using established diagnostic criteria in non-specialist settings to identify FH, advocating for alerts within medical records to prompt cholesterol assessments. (Pederiva et al., 2021) discuss the critical window for diagnosing severe hypercholesterolemia in children, arguing against selective screening based solely on family history, which often fails to identify at-risk children. They advocate for universal screening programs, particularly before puberty, to mitigate future cardiovascular risks. (Thajer et al., 2022) explore a selective screening approach in preschool children, demonstrating that targeted efforts can effectively identify FH in collaboration with school health services. However, they acknowledge that while this approach has shown promise, universal screening may provide a more comprehensive solution to address the broader issue of FH underdiagnosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, the collective findings from these articles advocate for a multifaceted approach to lipid screening in children and adolescents for the detection of familial hypercholesterolemia. They emphasize the necessity of universal screening programs, the integration of genetic testing, and the active involvement of primary care providers to improve detection rates and ensure timely interventions. This comprehensive strategy is crucial for reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in this vulnerable population.